Police pleased with New Year's Eve revellers

ACT Policing is pleased that revellers were generally well-behaved during Canberra’s New Year’s Eve celebrations overnight.

While police remained busy throughout the night providing a high-visibility presence targeting anti-social behaviour, underage drinking and road safety, no major incidents marred the festivities.

ACT Policing Criminal Investigations Superintendent Ben Cartwright said police responded to numerous incidents of underage drinking and anti-social behaviour. 

“The majority of crowds in the City enjoyed a fantastic celebration, however were disappointed to see a number of intoxicated youth. A dedicated Youth Reception team took 26 young people into protective custody for intoxication and returned them into the care of a parent or guardian,” Superintendent Cartwright said.

ACT Policing arrested one adult man during the celebrations in the City for escaping custody after urinating in a public place. One youth was arrested for drug possession and one adult will be summonsed to face court at a later date for possessing a knife in a public place. Police issued six Criminal Infringement Notices over the evening for incidents including urinating in a public place and consuming alcohol in a prescribed place. Six adults were taken into custody for intoxication.

“While it was a busy night for police, we were pleased to see families and groups of friends enjoying the alcohol-free events in the city and cheering in 2017 with the fireworks at midnight.”

ACT Policing focused on targeting dangerous driving across Canberra overnight and conducted more than 800 roadside breath tests, with just one driver detected over the prescribed alcohol limit. However, eight drivers returned roadside drug tests with a positive indication for the presence of drugs. The results are awaiting further analysis.

“Impaired drivers pose a serious risk to themselves and everyone else on the road. Police will continue to target drug and alcohol impaired driving throughout the day today – so if you know you’ve taken drugs or you could still be effected by alcohol, do not get behind the wheel this morning.”

“It’s important to remember that after a late night you can be fatigued. Give yourself a good rest today before you drive anywhere,” Superintendent Cartwright said.

Double demerits remain in effect until midnight on Monday 2 January and apply to offences for speeding, seatbelts and mobile phones. All other offences will incur an additional demerit point.

Superintendent Cartwright said ACT Policing appreciated the support of the ACT Ambulance Service, SES, ACT Fire Service, Events Management and St John’s during the evening.

“I’d like to thank our officers and members of other emergency and support services who gave up their New Year’s Eve to make sure that everyone else had an enjoyable and safe night,” Superintendent Cartwright said.

“I’d also like to thank the members of the community who enjoyed themselves safely – Happy New Year from ACT Policing.”